UNIDO and University of Tokyo's AYSEP Program Showcases Innovations at TICAD9

In a significant collaboration aimed at empowering youth to tackle social challenges in Africa, the UNIDO × UTokyo Africa Youth Social Entrepreneurship Programme (AYSEP) culminated in a pitch event held on August 19, 2025, at the United Nations University. This innovative program, jointly executed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the University of Tokyo, supports students in developing business solutions that address the pressing issues faced by African communities.

The AYSEP initiative, which began in October 2024, included a comprehensive training curriculum featuring pre-departure workshops, a hands-on field program in Kenya in March 2025, and post-return mentorship. A total of 10 participants, representing undergraduates and PhD students from the University of Tokyo, were selected to embark on this journey aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirits aligned with social impact.

During the Kenyan internship, students engaged in site visits and interviews with local businesses and potential customers, allowing them to gain deeper insights into Africa's unique challenges. These firsthand experiences enabled them to refine their understanding of local needs and develop relevant, practical business plans.

Following their return to Japan, students continued to receive mentorship to hone their business models based on the primary data they collected. They also actively expanded their networks related to African entrepreneurship. This process led to a final presentation where they showcased their refined business ideas, just before the TICAD9 summit.

The Role of Axcel Africa in the Training Program

Axcel Africa, headquartered in Takamatsu, Kagawa, played a crucial supportive role throughout the program. From the initial pre-training stages to ongoing support post-internship, they were instrumental in guiding students to understand African societal challenges and translate their knowledge into viable business strategies. The program consisted of three major components:

1. Pre-Training:
Students received lectures introducing foundational knowledge about African business landscapes, particularly focusing on startup case studies from Kenya. Training sessions included discussions on PESTEL analysis and lean canvas methodologies, equipping them with skills to validate their hypotheses when in Africa.

2. On-Site Training in Kenya (March 2025):
Participants undertook company visits and field surveys based on their interests, gathering insights from local businesses and potential customer segments. Axcel Africa facilitated communication, organized sessions with local stakeholders, supported pitch practice at university incubation centers, and provided continuous business improvement guidance throughout the internship.

3. Post-Return Mentorship:
Following their return, students were aided in enhancing their business models through mentorship sessions tailored to their gathered insights, thus fostering continued engagement with the African business landscape.

The culmination of their efforts was on August 19, 2025, where nine students presented their innovative business concepts targeting various human and environmental issues in Africa. Their proposals ranged from solutions for environmental pollution, portable water purification devices, AI talent development, geothermal energy efficiency, online healthcare initiatives, to electric vehicle mobility strategies. During the pitch event, feedback from six panelists highlighted the high quality and in-depth understanding reflected in their proposals, affirming the students’ ability to resonate with real-world scenarios in Africa.

The constructive evaluations from advisors representing Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Tanzania emphasized the community's eagerness for similar initiatives in their countries, showcasing the program's potential to inspire change on a broader scale. This milestone demonstrated that development-oriented programs with an entrepreneurial approach can effectively cultivate next-generation leaders capable of creating meaningful change in Africa.

Invitation for Future Collaboration

Axcel Africa is now actively seeking partners to collaborate on similar educational and entrepreneurial initiatives. Understanding the program's significance empowers stakeholders, including universities, corporations, municipal entities, and government organizations, to join in the mission of fostering sustainable growth in Africa through collective efforts.

The company prides itself on providing comprehensive support from planning to implementation, ensuring each partner's objectives and requirements are met through custom training programs. With previous collaborations involving Keio Business School, Hosei University, and Ritsumeikan Uji High School, Axcel Africa invites interested parties to reach out and explore opportunities for engagement.

About Axcel Africa

Axcel Africa is committed to connecting Japan with various African nations to collaboratively address social challenges through entrepreneurial initiatives. The company specializes in market research, project scouting, and training programs aimed at facilitating Japanese businesses' successful expansion into Africa. With an operational base in Kenya, they cover significant African markets, ensuring strategic insights and support for their clients.

For inquiries regarding entry into African markets, free consultations, and corporate seminars, please contact Axcel Africa via their official website at www.axcelafrica.com.